An Israeli firefighter extinguishes a fire caused by an incendiary balloon launched from Gaza, Aug. 16, 2020. (Photo/JTA-Menaham Kahana-AFP via Getty Images) News Israel Hamas and Israel reach Gaza cease-fire Facebook Twitter Email SMS WhatsApp Share By Marcy Oster, JTA | September 1, 2020 Hamas announced that it has reached a cease-fire deal with Israel. Over the past month, Hamas terrorists have launched dozens of incendiary balloons a day from Gaza into southern Israel, sparking hundreds of fires, and burning brush and agricultural land. Several rockets also were fired, including one that damaged a home in Sderot. Qatari envoy Mohammad al-Emadi mediated the deal, Israel’s national broadcaster Kan reported. Hamas’ announcement said it agreed to the deal “to contain the escalation and stop the Israeli aggression.” Israel had responded to the Gaza balloons with airstrikes on Hamas military and terrorist infrastructure in Gaza. Israel did not officially acknowledge the agreement, but announced Monday evening that it would open the Kerem Shalom crossing, which has been closed in recent days to all but food and humanitarian aid, and would reopen the fishing zone off the coast of Gaza to 15 miles. Marcy Oster Israel-based JTA correspondent JTA Content distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency news service. Also On J. Opinion Why did two LA lawyers tank their careers with antisemitic emails? Bay Area Emanu-El breaks ground on $91 million remodel of iconic building From the Archives Years after devastating 1906 quake, Emanu-El rose again Letters Sad farewell to Meira Academy; Don't rename Stow Lake Subscribe to our Newsletter Enter Email Sign Up